The future of eastern Ukraine, on the table
Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear: the status of Donbas is the central issue in the talks that began this Friday in Abu Dhabi. Representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the United States seek a way out of the conflict.
The United Arab Emirates, hosts, talk about “promoting dialogue.” The White House describes the first contacts as “productive.” But Russian demands are known and harsh.
The Kremlin insisted that to reach a peace agreement, kyiv must withdraw its troops from the eastern areas that Russia annexed.
A fragile sign of progress
It is the first time that US officials have sat down simultaneously with negotiators from both sides. Something is moving, but the path is full of obstacles.
Zelenskyy, speaking from Davos, said the proposals are “almost ready.” He even talked about a free trade zone under Ukrainian control in the east. “I think it will be positive for our companies,” he told reporters.
But his nightly tone was more cautious. He said that his delegation informs him “almost every hour” and that now it is time to wait for concrete responses from Moscow.
“It is not only about Ukraine’s desire… but also about Russia somehow developing a similar desire,” Zelenskyy said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas is an “important condition.” Yuri Ushakov, Russian advisor, went further: without resolving the territorial issue, there is no long-term agreement.
The shadows of fatigue
While negotiating, the reality on the ground weighs. Russia has controlled 20% of Ukrainian territory since 2014, but at a very high cost in lives and economy. International sanctions take their toll.
Ukraine is also showing signs of exhaustion. Its Minister of Defense reported some 200,000 desertions and close to 2 million evading military service. It urgently needs weapons and funds.
In Davos, Zelenskyy took out his frustration on Europe. He accused her of slowness, of spending little on defense and of not stopping Russian oil tankers that are evading sanctions.
“Europe seems lost,” he said. He compared the situation to the movie Groundhog Day, where everything repeats itself. “It’s been a year. And nothing has changed.”
The talks continue this Saturday. It’s early for conclusions. But after years of broken promises and empty speeches, any table where the three of them are sitting is, at the very least, an unexpected occurrence.
